HomeShore & PierManatee CountySkyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier

Palmetto, FL · Lower Tampa Bay · Fishing pier
🎣 Fish from land — no boat needed
⚠ Access beyond the bait shop has been closed since late 2025 for structural repairs; the state announced a full replacement pier in 2026. The first section remains fishable — check current status. Conditions change — verify locally before a long drive.

The converted 1954 Sunshine Skyway span on the Manatee side — historically about 1.5 miles of drive-on pier over lower Tampa Bay. Famous for night tarpon under the lights, Spanish mackerel and sheepshead; no individual license needed inside the state park. Parking: drive on and park at your spot (currently only up to the bait shop).

Fee
$4/vehicle + $4/adult ($2 child 6–12)
Hours
24 hours
Lighted
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
✓ No individual fishing license needed — this pier’s license covers anglers (fees may apply)

Good to know

Open 24 hoursLighted for night fishingRestroomsBait shop on sitePier license covers anglers
Get directions

7900 US Hwy 19 S (Skyway south approach), Palmetto, FL 34221 · GPS: 27.59200, -82.64100

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier without a boat?

Yes — Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier is a land-based fishing spot (fishing pier) in Palmetto, Florida. No boat is needed.

Do I need a fishing license at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier?

No individual license is needed — Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier holds a pier fishing license that covers anglers fishing from it. Admission or fishing fees may still apply.

How much does it cost to fish at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier?

$4/vehicle + $4/adult ($2 child 6–12).

What are the hours at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier?

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier is open 24 hours, making it a popular night-fishing spot.

Can you fish at night at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier?

Yes — Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier is lighted for night fishing and open 24 hours.

What is the tide at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier today?

Tide predictions for Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier come from the NOAA station at Port Manatee, about 6 miles away. The tide chart on this page shows today's high and low tide times, updated daily from NOAA, plus predictions for the coming week.

Where is Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier located?

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — South Pier is located at 7900 US Hwy 19 S (Skyway south approach), Palmetto, FL 34221 in Manatee County, Florida.

← All Tampa Bay shore & pier fishing spots

Tides — Port Manatee

Sun, Aug 2
4:48 AMHigh · 1.8 ft
10:12 AMLow · 0.9 ft
4:17 PMHigh · 2.2 ft
10:53 PMLow · 0.6 ft
Mon, Aug 3
5:15 AMHigh · 1.9 ft
11:12 AMLow · 0.8 ft
5:16 PMHigh · 1.9 ft
11:16 PMLow · 0.8 ft
Full tide dashboard →
Predictions are for NOAA station Port Manatee, about 6 mi from this ramp. Heights are water level relative to the station datum — not depth at the ramp. Wind and weather can change actual levels.

Conditions — Tampa Bay Area

Loading current forecast…

Nearby Bait & Tackle

We’re building out our verified bait & tackle directory for this area — local shops coming soon. In the meantime, search near this spot:

Search near this spot